I will here observe, that in my communication to the provisional govt.
of 2d instant recommending the convocation of a convention on the basis
of equal representation, I objected to the declaration of 1 Nov.r as being
liable to [mis]construction. Perhaps I ought to state the extent and nature
of my objection—it is this— The declaration does not declare Texas to be
a state of the Mexican confederation, which I think it ought to have done,
subject however to all the other provisions and principles established in
it— This would have given a fixed and definite character to the political
position of Texas and concentrated public opinion, and at the same time
left her the option of reuniting with Mexico or not hereafter, according as
the federal constitution when reestablished conformed or not to the
republican principles of the federal system, for it is to be remembered that the
declaration of Novr. 7 does not adhere to all the anti-republican features
and defects of the constitution of 1824, it only adheres to its republican
principles and to the federal system.

It is well known that the object of the federal party of Mexico at this
time is to reform the constitution of 1824 so as to expunge all its
anti-republican principles. Our declaration of 7 Nov.r in this respect is therefore
in strict conformity with the basis on which the federal party are acting

But it is objected that Texas cannot declare herself a state of the
Mexican confederation, unless she does so under the constitution of 1824 with
all its defects etc. To this I answer, that, the dissolution of the social
compact and the present physical situation of all Mexico gives to Texas the right
of declaring herself an independent community— This being the case she
certainly has the right to do much less, that is, to say she will continue
united with the Mexican confederation, provided the federal party succeed
in reestablishing the federal system on truly republican principles, free
from the defects of the constitution of 1824, at the same time offering her
aid to that party to effect this object.

As to independence— I think it will strengthen the cause of Texas to
show that we have legal and equitable and just grounds to declare
independence, and under this view I touched upon this subject in, my
communication to the provisional Govt. of 30.th ultimo. But I also think that it will
weaken Texas, and expose the old settlers and men of property in this
country to much risk, to make such a declaration at this time, and under the
present circumstances, for the reason that it will turn all parties in Mexico
against us—bring back the war to our own doors, which is now removed
from Texas by the fall of Bexar, and compel the people to seek aid at any
sacrifice.— I do not think it necessary to run any such risk, for the natural
current of events will soon regulate everything. A large portion of theMexicans are determined to be free. If they succeed, Texas will participate
as a state in conformity with the declaration of 7 Novr-—if they fail, Texas
can at any time resort to her natural rights.

There are about 200 volunteers here, and probably will be a 1000 of more
in a month. What is to be done with them? They must and ought to be
provided for and employed— I think that head quarters should be fixed at
Goliad, and that a federal auxiliary army should be collected there, and
offered to the federal party should it be needed by them. This will be in
conformity with our own offers in the 2.d article of the declaration of 7
Novr- and it will also place Texas, on a footing as to the federal party that
will justify the former in expecting remuneration from the latter for what
she spends in aid of the federal cause by furnishing auxiliary forces